{"id":73856,"date":"2026-11-01T20:19:53","date_gmt":"2026-11-01T16:19:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/me\/?post_type=articles&p=73856"},"modified":"2026-11-01T20:19:53","modified_gmt":"2026-11-01T16:19:53","slug":"fashion-trust-arabia-2026-finalists","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/me\/articles\/fashion-trust-arabia-2026-finalists\/","title":{"rendered":"Fashion Trust Arabia Unveil The Finalists For The 2026 Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photo: @oscarkraye, Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The region\u2019s fashion landscape has long existed in the background, with its talent, designers and creatives communicating through codes of luxury, heritage and tradition. But now, the region refuses to be overlooked, weaving its roots into the global cultural conversation and stepping into the spotlight. At the forefront of this movement is Fashion Trust Arabia, dedicated to championing emerging talent across the fashion industry. Now, the council unveils its finalists for the 2026 Fashion Trust Arabia Awards, spotlighting the designers shaping the region\u2019s creative future.<\/p>\n

Representing designers across the Middle East and North Africa, FTA has selected finalists across six categories spanning ready-to-wear, evening wear, accessories, jewellery, debut talent and fashion technology. Beyond the region, two designers and one design duo from Mexico complete the shortlist as this year\u2019s Guest Country nominees. The finalists will be presenting their work to the FTA jury in Doha on November 28, with seven winners announced at the awards ceremony that same evening.<\/p>\n

Winners will receive financial grants and industry membership, with selected collections gaining retail opportunities through Harrods and Ounass.<\/p>\n

<\/blockquote>\n

Spotlighting the industry\u2019s latest creatives is the Debut Talent category, featuring Syrian designer Zeina Issa, who meaningfully integrates her heritage into each piece. Youssef Zogheib, born in Beirut, developed his design expertise at Elie Saab\u2019s atelier before bringing it to his role as a Junior Tailoring Designer at Herm\u00e8s. Meanwhile, Palestinian-Jordanian designer Layla Al Tawaya reinterprets historical dress and subculture through familiar garment archetypes, contrasting references and material experimentation.<\/p>\n

Falling within the ready-to-wear category are Rayana Heemskerk, the Algerian designer and founder of the eponymous brand RAYANA HEEMSKERK; Jordan\u2019s Sara Mannei Borus of THE MANNEI; and Saudi Arabia\u2019s Ahmed Hassan. The trio bring individual styles to the competition, with Rayana embracing playful colour palettes, while Sara Mannei leans into a chic, bold aesthetic. Ahmed, on the other hand, places the spotlight on distinctive silhouettes, presenting an array of uniquely tailored designs.<\/p>\n

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Photo: @danariadthelabel, Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For evening wear, Lebanese designer Cindy Abi Chala of the fashion house CIN takes an edgier approach, following a distinctive formula of black and white, with lace fabrics and draped sleeves setting the tone. Haider Krayem, on the other hand, brings drama and theatricality to each of his pieces through elongated silhouettes and extravagant fabrics. The third nominee in the category, Palestine\u2019s Dana Riad, brings bold designs and refined silhouettes to her eponymous label.<\/p>\n

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Photo: @balgadesign, Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Across jewellery and accessories, an array of talent brings an allure of opulence to the forefront. In jewellery, Egyptian designer Varouj Vartan Kazandijan of Harry V and Kuwait\u2019s Layla AlSultan of Elura present distinctive designs characterised by fine jewels and architectural forms. Similarly, Lebanese designer Joelle Kharrat brings an array of intricate creations to her eponymous jewellery house. In accessories, Qatar\u2019s Maryam Al-Maki brings a considered edit of designs to her eponymous brand, spanning bags, shoes and more. Meanwhile, Lebanese designer Alia Zaki of L\u2019algini and Safa Boudokhane of BALGA Design complete the category\u2019s shortlist, with Alia highlighting intricately crafted luxury handbags and Safa placing the focus on footwear.<\/p>\n

As the world continues to evolve, fashion is embracing innovative approaches that creatively integrate technology into design. Representing this shift is Emna Hussein, whose sculptural bags and accessories take shape through 3D modelling and hand-finishing. Sister design duo Shaimaa and Fatma El-Alawy of Mesh-Mesh employ a similar technique, using 3D modelling to create whimsical designs. Meanwhile, Sirine Kobeissi of GIRLE transforms historical ornaments into hyper-modern materials, presenting a vision of a post-natural world.<\/p>\n

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Photo: @neithanherbet, Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Representing the Guest Country this year are Mexico\u2019s Camila Banzo, Patricio Campillo and design duo Neithan and Anga Ruiz. Each brings a distinctive perspective on design, silhouettes and fabric construction to the region\u2019s wider cultural conversation.<\/p>\n

The region continues to establish its place in the global cultural conversation, with emerging talent taking centre stage, bringing a unique perspective on design, creativity and luxury. As the spotlight continues to grow, Fashion Trust Arabia brings an array of talent into the scene, supporting the emergence of regional creatives and moving them, and the Arab world, closer into the spotlight.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42779,"featured_media":73861,"template":"","format":"standard","categories":[65,35],"yoast_head":"\nFashion Trust Arabia Unveils The Finalists For The 2026 Awards<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Fashion Trust Arabia has unveiled the list of finalists for the 2026 awards. 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